In a dramatic simulation that mirrored the urgency of a real outbreak, Australian hospitals recently conducted a large-scale training exercise to test their readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases like Ebola. The mock scenario began with a patient arriving at Concord Hospital’s emergency department, reporting fever and bleeding gums—symptoms that raised immediate concern when she revealed recent travel to Sierra Leone, a country currently battling an Ebola outbreak.
That single detail triggered a full-scale response. The patient was swiftly quarantined, and hospital staff activated strict infectious disease protocols. “It’s enough to trigger a response for a high-consequence infectious disease,” explained Caren Friend, Disaster Manager for the Sydney Local Health District.
Inside the incident control room, specialists coordinated next steps. Dr. Timothy Gray, an infectious diseases expert at Concord Hospital, emphasized the need for continued isolation and medical care. The patient was then transported to Westmead Hospital’s biocontainment unit using a negative pressure capsule—an advanced containment device designed to prevent the spread of pathogens during transit.
“This unit allows the patient to be transported in a contained manner,” said NSW Ambulance’s Dr. Rob Scott. The patient was connected to oxygen and heart rate monitors before being sealed inside the capsule, which, fortunately, has never been used in a real emergency.
The exercise was one of several conducted across Sydney hospitals last month, all aimed at refining emergency response plans. “Australia has not yet had any Ebola or Ebola-like illnesses imported,” noted Dr. Gray, “but cases have occurred in America and Europe, so we must be prepared.”
As global health threats continue to evolve, Australia’s proactive approach underscores the importance of preparedness. These drills not only test logistics and equipment but also ensure that medical personnel are ready to respond swiftly and safely should a real outbreak occur.